Title: Dragon's Blood
Literature References: A resinous secretion found on the fruits of Daemonorops propinquus Becc., D. draco Blume, and probably other species of Daemonorops, Palmae (Rattan palms). Habit. Sumatra, Borneo, India. Constit. About 55% of a red resin contg about 12-15% of bright-yellow, amorphous dracoresene; 2-3% white amorphous dracoalban. Isoln of the main coloring matter, dracorubin: Brockmann, Haase, Ber. 69, 1950 (1936). Chemical studies of resin pigments: Olaniyi et al., J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. 1 1973, 179.
Properties: Red sticks, pieces, or cakes; vitreous fracture; makes a bright-crimson powder; odorless and almost tasteless. mp ~120° with sublimation of some benzoic acid. Insol in water; sol in alcohol.
Melting point: mp ~120° with sublimation of some benzoic acid
Use: For coloring lacquers and varnishes; occasionally for coloring plasters; in photoengraving on zinc to protect metal parts against etching. |